FORT MEYERS, FL| John Taylor was just one-year-old when he rode in his first parade float. It’s been many, many years since then and John is now successfully managing the family business: Taylor Carpet One Floor & Home. But some things never change.
In early February, Taylor Carpet One’s staff let their light shine before a crowd of over 200,000 residents during the annual Edison Festival of Lights Grand Parade. Named in honor of Thomas Edison, one of the region’s most famous winter residents, the parade is a tradition dating back to the 1930s. To say this parade has a strong local following would be an understatement! Families with children stake out their viewing spot days in advance for this much-anticipated event, which wraps up a weeklong celebration of family-friendly events, including a craft fair, a 5k run, and an antique car show, among others.
The Taylor family has supported the tradition since the very beginning, and John himself has taken on several different roles: from building floats to driving them, and especially now, on the Board of Directors for the Edison Festival of Light, as well as the Parade committee, he continues his hands-on approach. One of this year’s most exciting moments, he noted, was playing host to this year’s Parade Grand Marshall, Kansas City Chief’s Super Bowl Champion, and Fort Myers native Sammy Watkins.
Making the moment all the more special, John’s daughter, Lauren, began serving on the Board of Directors three years ago. “It’s a true family tradition that brings joy to all,” John noted.
For more information about Taylor Carpet One, click here: taylorcarpetone.com/